How does Camp Aspire support children with diabetes in Rochester, NY. What activities and education does the camp offer. How can families register for Camp Aspire. What are the benefits of attending a diabetes camp for children.
The Importance of Diabetes Camps for Youth
Diabetes camps play a crucial role in empowering children and teenagers living with diabetes. These specialized camps provide a supportive environment where young people can learn to manage their condition while enjoying traditional camp activities. Camp Aspire in Rochester, NY, operated by the American Diabetes Association, is one such program making a significant impact on the lives of youth with diabetes.
Why are diabetes camps so important? They offer several key benefits:
- Peer support and connection with others facing similar challenges
- Education on diabetes management in a fun, engaging setting
- Increased independence and self-confidence in handling diabetes
- Opportunities to try new activities in a medically supervised environment
- Respite for parents and caregivers
About Camp Aspire in Rochester, NY
Camp Aspire is a diabetes camp located in Rochester, New York, providing valuable experiences for children and teens with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The camp is operated by the American Diabetes Association, a leading organization in diabetes research, advocacy, and education.
When does Camp Aspire take place? The camp typically runs during the summer months, offering both day camp and overnight camp options. Exact dates may vary from year to year, so it’s best to check the American Diabetes Association website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Camp Location and Facilities
Camp Aspire is held at a picturesque campsite in the Rochester area, providing a beautiful natural setting for campers to enjoy. The facilities are equipped to handle the medical needs of children with diabetes while offering a range of activities and amenities typical of summer camps.
Activities and Education at Camp Aspire
Camp Aspire offers a well-rounded program that combines fun activities with diabetes education and management. What can campers expect during their time at Camp Aspire?
- Traditional camp activities: swimming, sports, arts and crafts, nature hikes
- Diabetes education sessions
- Carbohydrate counting practice
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin administration techniques
- Nutritional guidance
- Team-building exercises
- Evening campfires and social events
These activities are designed to help campers gain confidence in managing their diabetes while fostering friendships and creating lasting memories.
Medical Care and Supervision at Camp Aspire
Safety is a top priority at Camp Aspire. How does the camp ensure proper medical care for campers? The camp is staffed with experienced healthcare professionals, including endocrinologists, nurses, and dietitians who specialize in diabetes care. These experts provide round-the-clock medical supervision and support.
What medical services are available at Camp Aspire?
- 24/7 medical staff on-site
- Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
- Management of diabetes-related emergencies
- Dietary planning and carbohydrate counting assistance
- Education on the latest diabetes management technologies
Parents can feel confident knowing their children are in capable hands, allowing campers to focus on having fun and learning valuable skills.
Registration and Eligibility for Camp Aspire
Families interested in sending their children to Camp Aspire may wonder about the registration process and eligibility requirements. To attend Camp Aspire, children typically need to have a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and fall within the age range specified for the camp sessions.
How can families register for Camp Aspire? The registration process usually involves the following steps:
- Visit the American Diabetes Association website
- Locate the Camp Aspire program information
- Complete the online registration form
- Submit required medical information and forms
- Pay the camp fee or apply for financial assistance if needed
It’s advisable to register early, as spots can fill up quickly. The American Diabetes Association often offers financial assistance programs for families who may need help covering the cost of camp.
Preparing for Camp Aspire: What to Bring
Proper preparation can help ensure a positive camp experience. What should campers bring to Camp Aspire? While the camp will provide a detailed packing list, here are some essential items to consider:
- Diabetes supplies (insulin, testing strips, glucose meter, etc.)
- Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities
- Swimwear and towels
- Closed-toe shoes for sports and hiking
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Bedding (for overnight camps)
- Personal hygiene items
- Any prescribed medications
The camp will provide guidance on how to pack and label diabetes supplies and medications to ensure easy access and proper storage during the camp session.
The Impact of Camp Aspire on Young Lives
Camp Aspire has a profound impact on the lives of children and teenagers with diabetes. How does attending Camp Aspire benefit young people? The camp experience often leads to:
- Increased confidence in diabetes self-management
- Improved knowledge of diabetes care techniques
- Lasting friendships with peers who understand the challenges of living with diabetes
- Greater independence and self-reliance
- Reduced feelings of isolation or “being different”
- Improved emotional well-being and positive outlook on life with diabetes
Many campers return year after year, building on their skills and relationships. Some even go on to become camp counselors or diabetes educators themselves, inspired by their experiences at Camp Aspire.
Supporting Camp Aspire and the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association relies on support from individuals and organizations to continue offering valuable programs like Camp Aspire. How can people support Camp Aspire and similar initiatives?
- Make a financial donation to the American Diabetes Association
- Volunteer at Camp Aspire or other diabetes camps
- Participate in fundraising events like the Tour de Cure or Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes
- Advocate for policies that support people living with diabetes
- Spread awareness about diabetes and the importance of camps like Camp Aspire
By supporting these efforts, individuals can help ensure that children with diabetes continue to have access to life-changing camp experiences.
The Future of Diabetes Camps
As diabetes management technology advances and the needs of young people with diabetes evolve, camps like Camp Aspire continue to adapt and innovate. Future developments may include:
- Integration of more advanced diabetes technologies into camp programs
- Expanded virtual camp options for those unable to attend in person
- Increased focus on mental health and emotional well-being
- Development of specialized programs for different age groups or types of diabetes
- Enhanced family education components to support diabetes management at home
These advancements will help ensure that diabetes camps remain relevant and impactful in the lives of young people with diabetes for years to come.
Testimonials from Camp Aspire Participants
The true measure of Camp Aspire’s success can be seen in the experiences of its participants. Many campers and their families have shared positive feedback about their time at the camp. Here are some hypothetical testimonials that reflect common sentiments:
“Camp Aspire changed my life. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone with my diabetes. I learned so much and made friends I’ll keep forever.” – Sarah, 14
“Sending our daughter to Camp Aspire was the best decision we’ve made. She came home more confident and knowledgeable about her diabetes management.” – The Johnson Family
“As a counselor at Camp Aspire, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact it has on kids with diabetes. It’s an honor to be part of their journey.” – Mike, Camp Counselor
These testimonials highlight the transformative power of the camp experience for children with diabetes and their families.
Year-Round Support from the American Diabetes Association
While Camp Aspire is a summer program, the American Diabetes Association offers support and resources for individuals with diabetes throughout the year. What services does the ADA provide beyond camp?
- Educational materials and programs
- Support groups and online communities
- Advocacy for diabetes-related policies
- Funding for diabetes research
- Health fairs and screening events
- Professional education for healthcare providers
These year-round efforts complement the camp experience, providing ongoing support for individuals and families affected by diabetes.
Connecting with Other Diabetes Camps
While Camp Aspire serves the Rochester area, there are numerous diabetes camps across the United States and around the world. How can families find diabetes camps in other locations?
- Check the American Diabetes Association website for a directory of camps
- Consult with your child’s endocrinologist or diabetes educator
- Search online for diabetes camps in your desired location
- Connect with local diabetes support groups for recommendations
Each camp may have its own unique features and programming, but all share the goal of empowering young people with diabetes to live full, healthy lives.
The Role of Technology in Diabetes Camps
As diabetes management technology continues to advance, camps like Camp Aspire are incorporating these innovations into their programs. How is technology changing the diabetes camp experience?
- Education on using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps
- Integration of diabetes management apps and software
- Virtual reality simulations for diabetes education
- Telemedicine consultations with specialists during camp
- Social media and online platforms for camper connection before and after camp
These technological advancements enhance the educational component of diabetes camps while also improving safety and connection among participants.
Building a Supportive Community Beyond Camp
The connections made at Camp Aspire often extend far beyond the camp session. How do campers stay connected and supported throughout the year?
- Social media groups for camp alumni
- Virtual meetups and check-ins
- Local diabetes support group connections
- Mentoring programs pairing older and younger campers
- Annual reunions or special events
These ongoing connections help reinforce the skills and confidence gained at camp, providing a support network that can last a lifetime.
The Global Impact of Diabetes Camps
While Camp Aspire serves the Rochester area, diabetes camps are making a difference for young people around the world. How are diabetes camps impacting global diabetes care?
- Sharing best practices for diabetes education and camp management
- Training healthcare professionals in pediatric diabetes care
- Raising awareness about the challenges faced by young people with diabetes
- Fostering international connections among camp participants
- Inspiring the development of new camps in underserved areas
The global network of diabetes camps is helping to improve diabetes care and quality of life for young people worldwide.
Camp Aspire Rochester Ny – American Diabetes Association – Main Diabetes
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Arlington, Virginia, U. S.
Funding: The American Diabetes Association is supported primarily through individual gifts.
Diabetes camps operate on sound principals of diabetes management and youth development so that youth can learn to manage their diabetes. Peers and dedicated professionals provide motivation and support, as well as acceptance, understanding, excitement and adventure.
Tier 1: $250 p. p. Tier 2: $50 p.p. Tier 1: $1,100 p.p. DYF programs are available in various locations around California throughout the year for children, teens, adults, and families affected by type I diabetes.
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Day Camps | The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc.
“The gift of a lifetime. ”
If you’re not quite ready for a two-week overnight camp, but still want to share a fantastic experience with other boys and girls between the ages of 5 to 15 with type 1 diabetes, you’ll find Barton’s summer day camps a great choice.
Barton’s specially trained counseling staff – many of whom have type 1 diabetes themselves – hit the road every summer to conduct special camps in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. Each day is filled with the kind of typical day-camp activities you’ll love, including swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, and music. The camps provide a wonderful introduction to camping for children with diabetes. You won’t believe how great it is to share a week in a place where every other kid is just like you. You’ll even play some special diabetes games. Your parents will feel great too, as they’ll know that you’re in a perfectly safe environment, where all the counselors can help you with your Blood Glucose Monitoring and insulin doses three times a day.
- The Rainbow Club: Greenwich, CT
- Worcester Day Camp: Clara Barton Camp, North Oxford, MA
- Long Island Day Camp: NY
WACkY Sessions: All Barton Day Camps are WACkY sessions—campers can bring one sibling or friend who does not have diabetes with them to day camp during this session. The sibling or friend will also pay a $50 registration fee and discounted camp fee of $300. Space is limited for siblings and friends, so please register early. No financial aid is available for siblings or friends without diabetes attending the WACkY Day Camp sessions.
The Rainbow Club: Greenwich, CT–CANCELED
July 3-July 7, 2023–9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (WACkY Session, see description above)
Coed, Ages 5-15
Cost: $600 + $50 registration
Financial assistance may be available.
Counselors-In-Training, Ages 14-15
PLEASE NOTE: Per our COVID-19 protocols, all campers are highly recommended to be vaccinated. Staff are required to be vaccinated and boostered prior to the start of camp.
The Barton Center is planning on another extraordinary session at Rainbow Club in 2023. Bring your sibling or friend to join in on the fun and excitement. We have a great week planned consisting of diabetes education, crazy camp games, crafts, and water fun. The adult program designed FOR parents and BY parents is offered alongside the children’s program. It includes lectures and break-out group topics ranging from pump therapy and current research to parent sessions for both newly diagnosed and more “seasoned” parents. Be part of the festivities, the learning, and the non-stop laughter! Join us and make friendships that will last a lifetime!
Worcester Day Camp: Clara Barton Camp, North Oxford, MA
July 17-July 21, 2023–9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (WACkY Session, see description above)
Coed, Ages 5-15
Cost: $600 + $50 registration
Financial assistance may be available.
Counselors-in-Training, Ages 14-15
Please click here for online registration or PDF camper application materials.
PLEASE NOTE: Per our COVID-19 protocols, all campers are highly recommended to be vaccinated. Staff are required to be vaccinated and boostered prior to the start of camp.
Located on the historic grounds of the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, campers experience the outdoors, enjoy boating and canoeing, doing arts and crafts, and crazy camp games! Bring your sibling or friend to join in on the fun and excitement. Make new friends that will be impossible to unglue. Picnic lunches, campfires, and learning about diabetes, make the summer complete!
Long Island Day Camp: Old Westbury, NY
July 31-August 4, 2023–9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (WACkY Session, see description above)
Coed, Ages 5-15
Cost: $600 + $50 registration
Financial assistance may be available.
Counselors-in-Training, Ages 14-15
Please click here for online registration or PDF camper application materials.
PLEASE NOTE: Per our COVID-19 protocols, all campers are highly recommended to be vaccinated. Staff are required to be vaccinated and boostered prior to the start of camp.
Barton Day Camp Long Island returns after another great camp season! We are welcoming all of our new and veteran campers to join us for an incredible week! Bring your sibling or friend to join in on the fun and excitement. Some camp favorites include swimming, arts and crafts, and doctor dodgeball. Join us and find out what other surprises we have in store for a great 2023! We can’t wait to see you!
How to sleep and get enough sleep? | Zelenograd INFO
How do you sleep, in what position?
If on the stomach, then it turns out to be very harmful – this is the worst position during a night’s rest. This was recently announced by the somnologists of the famous Mayo Clinic in the United States.
FAMOUS HOSPITAL
Such statements should be treated carefully. This is not an ordinary hospital. In addition to the classic clinic where people are treated, it is also the largest scientific center, which employs almost 5 thousand doctors and scientists.
It publishes its scientific medical journals, which are popular among specialists all over the world. Many innovations in medicine originate from this private clinic.
Mayo Clinic sleep experts explained why this position is so bad: lying on your stomach, it is almost impossible to breathe deeply. It is uncomfortable for the muscles of the neck and back, they unbend unnecessarily and as a result get tired and numb. Because of this, the volume of air during inhalation decreases.
This posture also has a bad effect on the vessels passing through the neck and supplying the brain with blood. As a result, the brain suffers from insufficient oxygen supply during sleep. Hence the poor quality of sleep, a person does not get enough sleep. And this leads to big health problems.
LYMPHA OR GLYMPHA?
Another popular position – on the back – is also far from the best for sleeping.
Just a few years ago, in 2012, American scientists from the University of Rochester, New York, deciphered the mechanisms by which our brain is freed from toxic substances during sleep. In the body, our lymphatic system does this. But the brain does not have it, and how it did it was not clear. Scientists have discovered an analogue of this system in the brain.
By analogy, it was called the glymphatic system. For people familiar with medicine, this name is clear without decoding. The “gli” particle reminds them of glial cells – these are auxiliary cells in the brain that help neurons (nerve cells) work. They serve as their support, through them the nerve cells receive nutrition, they also perform other functions. There are 8-10 times more glial cells than neurons. So at night, these cells help to remove toxic substances from the brain.
And now the most interesting part. The outflow pathways from glial cells in the brain, through which toxins leave, pass through the neck. And in the position on the back, especially on the stomach, they are strongly pinched. As a result, toxins remain in the brain and do their harmful work.
For example, among the toxins there are substances such as amyloid and tau protein, which lead to degenerative brain diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases). Now you understand how important it is to sleep in the right position?
THIS IS IMPORTANT
Advise Mikhail Bogomolov , specialist in psychoendocrinology, president of the Russian Diabetes Association:
– It is bad to sleep not only on the stomach, but also on the back, the best position for sleeping is on the side.
The problem is that in a dream it is difficult for a person to control his position and spend most of his time on his side. However, there is a way to help those who usually sleep on their backs. They need to sew a pocket for a tennis ball on their pajamas or nightgown between the shoulder blades (the pocket must be fastened). Thanks to this, a person will feel uncomfortable every time he tries to lie on his back. To avoid this, he will roll over on his side, and over time this position will become familiar to him.
If you roll over on your stomach all the time in your sleep, you can also try this method by sewing a ball pocket on your stomach or at the level of your diaphragm.
With regard to sleep, it is also very important to wake up correctly. It so happened that the biorhythms of the body of a modern person living in normal conditions, especially urban ones, do not coincide with his natural natural rhythms.
It has always been the case that our rhythms were influenced by sunrise and sunset: we got up and went to bed with the sun. And historically the body is used to it. Therefore, usually an hour before dawn, biochemical changes begin in it. They are needed in order to provide us with energy at the beginning of the day. What are these changes?
Hormones are released that increase blood pressure and make the heart work faster, blood sugar rises – it is released from the liver. And since we continue to sleep, and do not wake up like our ancestors, it is because of these reactions in the morning at dawn that myocardial infarctions and strokes most often develop.
The easiest way out in such a situation is to wake up, get out of bed, go for a walk. As a result, the energy of sugar and the activity of hormones would play a positive role: glucose would not go to fat depots for the synthesis of new fats, but would go to the muscles and burn in them, giving energy for movements.
Many people say that they cannot get up so early because they go to bed very late, they cannot fall asleep earlier. There is such a problem, but it is possible to rebuild. Even if you can’t really fall asleep when you go to bed early and inevitably fall asleep late, make sure to wake up with the sun at dawn anyway. It will take 1-3 days, and you will start falling asleep earlier. And sleep will become normal in duration.
Source
- FREE bulletin board: https://zelenograd-info. rf/ads
Diabetes Device Patient Alert
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When you see headlines about recalls of diabetes products and realize that your medical device may be affected, you might panic. Now what?
In light of the latest product safety news about Medtronic Insulin Pumps i Insulet Omnipod DASH System, (see below for more details), we started thinking about the chain of events following the headings:
- What if customers are worried about continuing to use the product?
- Does the company communicate clearly and provide good customer service?
- Are health insurance companies interested in whether a product they cover or recommend poses a potential hazard?
- How do doctors and diabetes specialists respond to patients’ concerns?
All of this recently came to Paul Dobbertin, a longtime type 1 specialist in suburban Chicago who was worried about his Medtronic insulin pump after seeing reports of it in the media following a recent FDA recall warning. He called the company and struggled to purchase a replacement device despite customer service denying the situation and insisting that his device did not need to be replaced.
“We are rightfully concerned,” he says. “Managing all the details of the system, along with type 1 diabetes, is already a lot of work and expense, with no worries about faulty hardware and a known issue.”
contents
The device reminds you what you need to know
First, don’t be confused by the different language used in these situations. The word “review” does not always mean that you have to return the product. There are also notifications about “fixing”, “removing the market” and other related labels. See this guide to FDA definitions for different cases.
The FDA explains that most recalls are “voluntary actions” taken by manufacturers and distributors as part of their responsibility to protect public health when certain products may pose a risk of injury or are otherwise defective.
In most cases, only certain series (certain models or SKUs) of products are affected. So, most often it is an individual assessment of whether a return is guaranteed for a particular unit in the event of a problem being applied.
Here are the details of the latest diabetes recalls announced in early 2020:
Medtronic Minimed 600 Series Insulin Pumps: Safety Ring Return
The Minimed 600 Series is affected by a small part on the top of the pump called a ring holder that is supposed to hold the container of insulin inside the pump. A malfunction can cause it to rupture or be lost, interfering with insulin delivery and could result in the user receiving more or less insulin than they should. This will not empty the reservoir, Medtronic says, but it may cause delays in insulin delivery or a faster, unscheduled bolus delivery than expected.
Share on Pinterest Image: Diabetes Medtronic
Medtronic originally issued an urgent safety notice informed the FDA of this issue on November 21, 2019. At the time, the company was already working on an action plan with regulators to eliminate these potentially defective parts of the device.
Just as important, it is not uncommon for a manufacturer to issue a safety warning or notice and then the FDA issues a recall classification a few months later. It happened here with the FDA issuing a class 1 recall on February 12, 2020, marking it as the most severe type of device release recall.
How many devices are affected?
A total of 322,005 devices were affected, including:
- all series of Minimed 630G pumps released from September 2016 to October 2019
- all groups of 670G closed loop hybrid systems deployed between June 2017 to August 2019
Are there any injuries or deaths?
According to an FDA report based on company data, Medtronic has received 26,421 complaints regarding this safety ring failure since the introduction of this series of insulin pumps. These figures include XNUMX “injuries” and one possible death associated with this problem.
Alas! is the first response when we see these numbers. But as far as Medtronic points out, the data could be wrong if taken out of context. Of the 2,175 cases labeled as “injuries” associated with high or low glucose levels, 94 percent (2,045 in total) “patients treated themselves and did not require medical intervention.” For one reported death, there is no conclusive evidence that it was attributable to a loose, damaged, or missing support ring. But this, too, cannot be ruled out.
In our previous in-depth product recall report, DiabetesMine spoke to FDA insiders and company officials who urged caution when considering the number of recalls in the appropriate context, especially since the FDA database of “adverse events” is far from perfect.
“You can’t just look at the number of reviews and draw conclusions based on those numbers. You need to consider the context, what the review was like, how it was discovered, and what was going on with the company at the time. It’s hard to do it from the outside because you don’t have that conversation and context all the time,” warns Dr. Courtney Lias, director of the FDA’s Department of Chemistry and Toxicology.
Meanwhile, our D-community has been flooded with Medtronic safety alerts in recent months, from a mid-November FDA warning about old insulin pumps and cybersecurity, to news of a federal lawsuit filed in connection with this by a woman in Florida who died two years earlier, as a possible by-product of using the Minimed 2G system, the recall was related to a possible malfunctioning infusion site.
Omnipod Control DASH controller software failure
On the day of the announcement of the Medtronic 600 series recall, Insulet issued a warning to correct the medical device about the Omnipod DASH wireless patch pump and its personal diabetes (PDM) used to manage the system. The notice, described as a precautionary measure, states that there is a remote possibility that PDM “may suggest a bolus of insulin based on inaccurate data” and that this could result in too much or too little insulin being delivered.
Specifically, the problem is related to the bolus calculator function, which is used to determine the dose of food and correct based on the current blood glucose (BG) level and the built-in user insulin (IOB). PDM is typically used to calculate readings older than 10 minutes. But with this bastard, the old data recedes.
The problem is specific to software versions 1.0.50 and earlier (see the About menu on the PDM to determine which version you have).
At the time of the alert, 11 calls were received regarding the problem, no one was injured, reports Insulet. And that doesn’t mean you can’t use DASH PDM – you need to be especially careful when entering your current BG when using the bolus calculator.
Alert states that a software update is being developed to address the issue and is scheduled to be available in March 2020. New refurbished PDMs will be delivered to affected customers, and the company says it will contact those customers when it’s time to ship. .
Of course, despite these beliefs, people with diabetes (PWD) may have longstanding questions and concerns.
Insulin pump in Illinois “will not live in fear”
Paul Dobbertin
Dobbertin of Illinois, on the one hand, has been using a Minimed insulin pump since the mid-1990s and has been taking 670G for several years. While he was not completely satisfied with ease of use in general, quality assurance did not become a major issue for him until November 2019.
Although he received a safety alert from Medtronic and after the company assured him that everything was fine, Dobbertin began to worry that his 670G device would be damaged after seeing the latest news in the FDA recall notice.
He called Medtronic Customer Service for more information. Pre-recorded message remembered in detail and filled out an online form. He removed the pump and placed it in a drawer, switching to multiple daily injections (MAI) as needed. After waiting all day with no response, he called customer service and reported what he had seen.
“(Deputy) misrepresented most of the news that was reported and said the pump didn’t actually turn off,” Dobbertin told DiabetesMine. “It only confused me more. The news on the Internet—CNN, NBC, the BBC, and even the FDA—seemed to speak differently. I know the news is distorted, but the fact that so many injuries are being reported was frightening.”
Although the part of the pump in question appeared intact, Dobbertin did not want to risk it. His eyesight is not very good, and he was worried about whether he should pay attention to the device, because it could break at any moment – especially since its warranty had already expired. He had previously had severe reactions to low sugar insulin when he was awake when they saw the doctor standing over him and he didn’t want to experience it again.
“I said that I would simply not live because of the fear of accidentally overdosing on a huge amount of insulin, as (perhaps) already happened to someone due to a known deficiency,” he said.
Despite initial reluctance to replace the pump, the supervisor eventually shipped the replacement in good order within a few days. Dobbertin is pleased with the services given to him in solving the case, although his 670G appears to be unharmed.
He’s not alone, as Medtronic was inundated with hundreds of calls in just the first days of news of the recall. People with disabilities who share their experiences online express mixed feelings about the severity of this particular memory, with some indicating “it doesn’t matter much” and others expressing great concern.
D-Mom of New York: “Lucky he dodged a bullet”
Wanda Labrador and her son Justice
Mother Wanda Labrador of Rochester, New York, says her family was affected by the latest Medtronic product recall, but thankfully they stopped using it before the company issued an emergency last fall th safety notice.
Labrador’s son Justice was diagnosed at age 3 on Thanksgiving Day 2012 and started using a blue Minimed insulin pump the following summer. Finally, after a long wait for closed loop technology, in July 670, Justice launched the 2018G pump.
But after a few months, according to Wanda, she noticed that the ring holder often fell out, and she had to tighten it regularly. This continued until it eventually wore out and broke, and on Christmas Eve 2018, she called Medtronic to report the damage. They received a replacement pump the next day (Merry Christmas?). However, after 5 months, according to him, the same thing happened again; the safety ring broke off and disappeared.
Many other people in the online chat groups discussed similar issues and said they called the company because of it—sometimes getting a replacement, but often listening to repeats of customer service expressing surprise and then being told not to worry.
“I felt something was wrong with the pump, even though Medtronic never warned me about the risk of losing the ring,” she says. “There were times when the whole tank just slipped… it wasn’t right!”
Worried but also rested from pump therapy itself, Justice stopped using 670G and returned to injections during the summer months. He eventually went to a diabetes camp and found out about the Omnipod and Dexcom, and despite still having a warranty Medtronic pump, their insurance approved the new devices. Despite this, Labrador is technically still a Medtronic customer warranty, but has received no letter or notification of the failure of this safety ring.
“When I saw the media report, I felt happy that I had avoided the bullet and that my son was not hurt,” she says. “At the same time, I am upset that the public has not been aware of the possible damage that the problem can cause for so long. People’s lives are at stake, and it’s unfair that the pumps aren’t recalled. get better.”
Does product recall affect health insurance coverage?
Major insurers such as Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield say they take recall information into account. But none of the insurance companies that DiabetesMine spoke with in the week following these recent diabetes recalls indicated that they have actual data on how often safety questions are asked or how their organization can use this information to make coverage decisions. 0003
Given Medtronic’s “preferred brand agreement” with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) that restricts access to third party diabetic devices, some wonder if UHC will take note of this class, and I remember its preferred brand.
UHC Communications Director Tracey Lempner says Medtronic informed the insurance company of this issue in 2019, which affected the Minimed 600 series insulin pumps.
The UHC then released a statement to affected members stating: “The safety of our members is a priority and we encourage anyone who may have questions or concerns about their insulin pump to consult their physician and contact Medtronic for more information. We will continue to work. We work closely with Medtronic and monitor the latest clinical data to ensure that our members with diabetes have ongoing access to safe and affordable care.”
It would be interesting to see some data on how often people have difficulty with product recalls in their claims and complaints, and what insurers are doing about it.
How do doctors respond to medical device recalls?
We were also curious about how physicians and diabetes specialists can address the concerns of patients with food safety issues, and we reached out to some of them to ask what advice they might have for those facing these issues. The theme is fairly constant: depending on the specific product or drug, depending on the specific product or drug. Often doctors contact the company directly for more information and needed medications.
“We’re trying to be proactive and make sure we’re really checking for exposure hazards in our patients,” said Dr. Jennifer Dyer, a pediatric endocrinologist in Ohio.
“We are quite patient with (these problems) because we know that machines can and can be unreliable, so we always teach our patients to be smarter than machines. In our practice, we have an extremely thorough program based on this principle, so fortunately our patients usually do well when these things happen. In this latter case, our patients must be in accordance with our protocols,” she explains.